Years ago, during Nepal's civil conflict, the Maoists promised Man Bahadur Bishwakarma and the Dalit residents of Muktikot a future of freedom and prosperity. As a teenager, Man Bahadur believed in this vision, as did many others in the village, which led to the renaming of their home from Dumkot to Muktikot, meaning "Fort Freedom." The original name, 'Dum,' is a derogatory term for the Dalit community.

Muktikot is located on a steep mountainside with terraced farms that lack irrigation. Most men migrate to India for seasonal work, and many never return. The women often trek for hours to fetch water, and before roads were built, traveling to town for government-subsidized rice took a week.

“The Maoists assured us we would have local jobs, tap water in every home, and an end to caste discrimination,” recalls Man Bahadur. “That’s why I joined the revolution in Grade 10.”

Speaking from a steep trail three hours from Muktikot, Man Bahadur shares his story. His family has been living in a cattle shed since a landslide destroyed their home in 2021. Like many of Muktikot’s youth, he joined the Maoists, believing that renaming the village signified a genuine revolution.

Eighteen years after the conflict ended, the only noticeable change in Muktikot, home to nearly 2,300 Dalits, is its name. Although some progress has been made—motorable roads now connect the village, and residents no longer need to walk to Kalikot or Dailekh for rice—fundamental promises remain unfulfilled. Essential goods are more accessible, but only for those with money.

Man Bahadur, who continues to migrate to India for work, had just returned for a break when interviewed. “I fought for the Maoists hoping I wouldn’t have to go to India for work, but there are still no jobs here,” he says. “The Maoists promised us an illusion.”